Santoli is an expert on national security, international relations, human rights, religious liberty, and refugee issues, especially regarding East, Central and Southeast Asia. He served as an adviser to key Members of the U.S. Congress, policymakers in Washington, D.C. and non-governmental organizations (NGO)s.[3]

Santoli has been an advocate for humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines and has written about their plight, including the impact of poverty, corruption, insurgent movements, counterterrorism, and catastrophic typhoon damage.[4][5] In 2013, Santoli was officially recognized with one the Philippines' highest awards, the "Order of the Golden Heart," for his leadership and humanitarian relief efforts by the government of the Philippines and the Ambassador of the Philippines in Washington, D.C.[6][7]